Yuki Nagasato, the reigning champion of Japan’s World Cup and a pioneer, announced her retirement from football. She made history by playing for a mature men’s team in 2020.
The 37-year-old past Chelsea striker won the World Cup with Japan in 2011 after playing 132 games for her land during her 24-year professional career.
She became the first woman to play for a female’s area in Japan when she signed for second-tier side Hayabusa Eleven on borrowing in 2020.
Sports has been my existence for 30 years, starting when I first kicked a ball. I’ve pushed myself, fought for myself, and grew through each defeat and failure,” Nagasato wrote on Instagram.
Every minute had interpretation, even though the journey wasn’t always easy. Although choosing to retire wasn’t an easy choice, I’m looking forward to what comes second.
Megan Rapinoe’s fight for equality inspired Nagasato’s decision to join a people’s area in 2020.
She said,” I wanted to show that people can play on a men’s team.”
” I want to contribute to the development of a society where there is no distinction between sex and contest.”
Nagasato replaced him in the World Cup last in 2011 when Japan defeated the United States on sanctions following a 2-2 bring after more time.
Nagasato joined Chelsea in 2013 after winning the Champions League with European edge Turbine Potsdam in 2010.
She started her 18 games for the Music, scoring five ambitions, before returning to Germany, the USA, and Australia.
Nagasato, who even won an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games, retired as her nation’s second-highest goalscorer ever, behind Homare Sawa’s 83. She even won an Olympic gold award at the 2012 London Olympics.